Over 300 artists gathered at the Perdido Beach resort in Orange Beach last weekend for the 39th annual Alabama Clay Conference, hosted by the Coastal Art Center of Orange Beach from Feb. 15-18.

According to Maya Blume-Cantrell, a resident artist at the center and host of the conference, while the event has been going on for over 30 years, this is only the third time the island has hosted the conference.

"It's been going on for quite some time, the first one was in Brewton, Alabama which pulled friends together and invited them over to demonstrate clay art," Blume-Cantrell said. "Now it is typically based off of college campuses, but it travels all over the state. It was previously held in Orange Beach in Feb. 2020 and in Gulf Shores in 1988."

Blume-Cantrell added that while the conference features several demonstrations from professional artists, it is open to anybody interested in learning more about ceramics, from local artists and hobbyists to professionals.

"Some artists have been coming since the beginning and lots who are new, it's a wonderful community," Blume-Cantrell said. "There is a range of artists who do different presentations, present workshops and we always have four featured artists from across the country (this year's featured artists included Osa Atoe, Jennifer McCurdy, Cadice Methe and Taylor Robenalt)."

However, Blume-Cantrell said that as the conference travels throughout the state each year, they try to involve local artists of the area in the event.

"We definitely see people travel, but because it travels throughout the state, local artists can get involved a little more," Blume-Cantrell said. "This year, we opened up two different studios in town, Sea Oat Pottery and Pottery Central World Headquarters in Gulf Shores and showcase their art to someone who may not be aware that it's there."

While Blume-Cantrell said it is too soon to have data regarding the conference's impact on local tourism, she said that between 350-400 artists attended this year's conference, flooding local restaurants and shops throughout their three-day stay.

"Perdido Beach resort (location of conference), sold out and there was even overflow into local condos and 'Airbnbs'," Blume-Cantrell said. "Of course, we send them all out to the local restaurants for lunch and dinner, and out biggest local partnership was with the City of Orange Beach and the Coastal Arts Center in Orange Beach. They hosted pre and post conference workshops, an exhibition on Friday night and gallery hosted an invitational exhibition."

Blume-Cantrell said this year's event was unique, as the attendees always love returning to the island.

"Overall it was fantastic, we got lots of compliments and people are always happy to come to the beach and enjoy our area," Blume-Cantrell said. "I would urge anyone interested to come, it's a great experience and you learn not just from the presenters but all the coming together of the ceramic community. With so many people from different experiences and backgrounds in one place, you learn a lot just by walking around and talking to your neighbor and collaborating with other creatives."